OFF TO ZOEY WE GO

2010-03-31T07:46:00.000-07:00

ZOEY'S 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY WAS AT I-JUMP IN BIRMINGHAM. SHE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME PLAYING AND VISITING WITH ALL HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

OF COURSE WE HAD A "YO GABBA GABBA" CAKE WHICH SHE LOVED! IT WAS TOO CUTE! BIG THANKS TO EDGAR'S BAKERY FOR THE OUTSTANDING JOB! IT ALSO TASTED WONDERFUL. :)

WE ENDED UP HAVING ABOUT 14 KIDS AT THE PARTY. WE WERE THRILLED TO HAVE OUR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS "THE WOODALLS" JOIN IN ON THE CELEBRATION.

THANKS FOR EVERYONE WHO MADE ZOEY'S BIRTHDAY EXTRA SPECIAL!

WE CAN'T BELIEVE SHE IS FIVE YEARS OLD ALREADY, SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY WE WERE IN CHINA. WE THANK GOD EACH AND EVERY DAY FOR OUR BABY!

2010-01-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

Zoey loved Christmas this year! She even liked Santa. She talked to Santa and wanted to count his teeth. :) She was so adorable !!

HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-11-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

ZOEY WAS SO EXCITED THIS YEAR, SHE GOT TO WEAR HER HALLOWEEN COSTUME TO SCHOOL. ALL THE KIDS LOOKED ADORABLE.

THEY GOT TO STAND UP IN CLASS AND TELL ABOUT THIER COSTUME.

2009-08-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

Zoey is attending pre-school at Knollwood Christian School.

Her first day was good with only minimal tears. I think she cried because another child in her class was crying.

This is a big milestone for Zoey because she has never been away from me or Doug very long at a time and then it has always been with very close friends.

I am thrilled that she feels secure enough with me leaving her. This is a wonderful school and they really love the children. There is only 5 kids in Zoey's class, which allows her teacher alot of one on one time with the children.

TRIALS OF POTTY TRAINING

2009-07-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

WELL ZOEY FINALLY HAS SHOWED SOME INTEREST IN POTTY TRAINING. WE HAVE A TRAINING POTTY FOR HER THAT SHE USES, BUT YESTERDAY SHE DECIDED SHE WANTED TO SIT ON THE "BIG" POTTY. I WAS SO EXCITED SHE WANTED TO TRY IT. SO I HELPED HER GET ON IT AND SHOWED HER HOW TO HOLD ON THE THE SIDES, SHE KEPT SAYING "I WON'T FALL IN" AND I WOULD ASSURE HER SHE WOULD NOT AND SHE WOULD BE FINE. WELL I WALKED OUT OF THE ROOM FOR A MINUTE AND WHEN I CAME BACK SHE WAS HAVING A GRAND OLE TIME. SHE HAD FIGURED OUT SHE COULD TOUCH THE WATER WITH HER "BOOTY" AND THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN!! I HAD TO CAPTURE AND SHARE THIS MOMENT. GOTTA LOVE THESE PRECIOUS TIMES. :)

EASTER 2009

2009-04-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF ZOEY'S EASTER PICTURES

SHE IS GROWING UP SO FAST.

THOMAS THE TRAIN

2009-04-05T20:07:00.001-07:00

WE TOOK ZOEY AND HER TWO COUSINS TO SEE THOMAS THE TRAIN.

I CAN NOT BELIEVE ZOEY LIKES THOMAS THE TRAIN. :)

ZOEY'S 4TH BIRTHDAY

2009-04-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

ZOEY TURNED 4 ON MARCH 25TH, WE HAD A PARTY AT McDONALD'S

WE HAD ALOT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY HELP US CELEBRATE AND ZOEY HAD A WONDERFUL DAY.

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE OUR LITTLE GIRL IS 4

SHE IS GROWING LEAPS AND BOUNDS IN SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.

TOO FUNNY NOT TO SHARE

2009-02-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

I GOT ZOEY AN ELMO DRILL WITH COOKIE MONSTER SAFETY GLASSES.

WHEN SHE PUT THE GLASSES ON SHE LOOKED SO CUTE & FUNNY I JUST HAD TO GET A PICTURE. :)

ZOEY LOVES "SANTA"

2009-01-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

ZOEY LOVED SANTA, SHE COULDN'T STOP LOOKING AT HIM.

WE WERE NOT SURE IF SHE WOULD IF SHE WOULD BE AFRAID OR NOT, BUT SHE DID WONDERFUL! IN FACT SHE DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE HIM.

SHE EVEN TOLD HIM WHAT SHE WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS.

THIS WAS AN AWESOME CHRISTMAS BEING ABLE TO LOOK THROUGH IT FROM THE EYES OF OUR DAUGHTER!

THANK YOU LORD FOR OUR WONDERFUL DAUGHTER.

FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST

2008-12-06T04:39:00.000-08:00

ZOEY HAD HER FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST, THE DENTIST OFFICE CALLS IT THE KIDS "HAPPY VISIT"

THEY SHOWED ZOEY AROUND THE OFFICE AND INTRODUCED HER TO THE STAFF. SHE GOT TO RIDE UP & DOWN IN THE DENTAL CHAIR AND CHECK OUT ALL THE INSTRUMENTS. SHE REALLY LIKED TO DENTAL MIRROR.

SHE LET THE DENTAL HYGENTIST COUNT HER TEETH AND THEN LET THE DENTIST COUNT THEM ALSO.

SHE RECEIVED A GREAT CHECK-UP AND WAS REWARDED WITH ALOT OF SURPRISES.

SHE EVEN TALKED JAMELL INTO GIVING HER POTATO CHIPS.

EVERYONE WAS GREAT TO ZOEY AND MADE HER FIRST TRIP TO THE DENTIST A VERY POSITIVE ONE. THANKS TO DR. REDMOND AND HIS STAFF.

MORE TRAIN RIDE PICTURES

2008-12-01T11:01:00.001-08:00

TRAIN RIDE WITH SANTA

2008-12-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

WE WENT TO THE HEART OF DIXIE TRAIN STATION & MUSEUM ON SATURDAY. WE TOOK ZOEY'S COUSINS AUSTIN & CALEB WITH US.

WE WENT ON A ONE HOUR TRAIN RIDE WITH SANTA & MRS. CLAUSE. THEY WENT FROM SEAT TO SEAT VISITING AND TALKING TO EACH CHILD, AND GAVE THEM A SMALL TOY. THE KIDS WERE SO EXCITED!

ZOEY TOLD SANTA THAT SHE WANTED A NEW ELMO. ONE MORE TO ADD TO THE COLLECTION. :) THE KIDS ALSO GOT TO MEET THE TRAIN CONDUCTOR AND GET PICTURES WITH HIM.

ALL THE TRAINS ARE RETIRED NOW AND MAINLY USED FOR SPECIAL EVENTS. INSIDE THE MUSEUM THEY HAVE ALL THE OLD TOOLS , LIGHTS, SIGNS AND CONDUCTOR HATS.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-11-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

WHAT A GREAT HALLOWEEN! WE WENT TO OUR CHURCH'S

"TRUCK -A-TREAT FALL FESTIVAL. ZOEY HAD A WONDERFUL TIME.

SHE LOVES SEEING ALL THAT CANDY IN HER BUCKET.

AFTER WE GOT HOME I CAUGHT HER WITH ONE OF HER BUCKETS OF CANDY DUMPED IN THE FLOOR AND SHE WAS OPENING EACH PIECE AND HAVING HER OWN TASTE TEST.

BEACH TRIP

2008-10-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

THIS WAS SOME PICTURES OF OUR TRIP TO ORANGE BEACH.

ZOEY ENJOYED IT MUCH BETTER THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR SHE DIDN'T CARE FOR THE SAND OR THE OCEAN.

"ELMO LIVE"

2008-10-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

WE WENT TO SEE "ELMO LIVE" IN BIRMINGHAM AT THE CIVIC CENTER ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO.

ZOEY WAS SO EXCITED WHEN SHE SAW "ELMO" AND THE OTHER SESAME STREET GANG. SHE KEPT SAYING "ELMO" ELMO"

HER EYES WERE GLOWING WITH HAPPINESS. WE HAD WONDERFUL SEATS AND YOU COULD SEE THE SHOW REAL WELL.

ZOEY KEPT WANTING TO GO UP ON STAGE WITH THEM.

IT WAS HILARIOUS. SHE HAS A GREAT TIME. I THINK ME & DOUG LIKED IT AS MUCH AS ZOEY DID.

CAN YOU SAY WE LOVE "ELMO"

2008-10-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

NEEDLESS TO SAY ZOEY "LOVES" ELMO!! EVERYTHING IN OUR HOUSE REVOLVES AROUND ELMO. SHE HAS FELL HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH ELMO.. AS YOU CAN SEE WE HAVE ALOT OF STUFFED ELMO'S AND WE HAVE BOOKS, OTHER ELMO TOYS, AND OF COURSE WE HAVE ELMO CLOTHES.

EVERYNIGHT WE HAVE TO SLEEP WITH EVERY ELMO AND NOT COUNTING GROVER, ABBY, BARNEY. WE HAVE A BED FULL!!

OH I FORGOT TO MENTION OUR 96 POUND BOXER THAT SLEEPS WITH US TOO.

WHAT WE WOULDN'T DO FOR OUR DAUGHTER! :)

ZOEY'S 2ND COUSIN

2008-08-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

LOOK AT THIS DOLL!! THIS IS ZOEY'S 2nd COUSIN AND OUR GREAT NIECE. "BOY DO I FEEL OLD"

SHE IS ALMOST 6 MONTHS OLD AND 17 LBS. I TOLD OUR NIECE THAT SHE WASN'T OVERWEIGHT SHE WAS JUST "FLUFFY" AND OH SO HUGGABLE.

JUST WANTED TO SHARE THIS SWEET BABY

"BIG BIG BIG LOLLIPOP"

2008-08-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SEEING THE EXCITEMENT IN ZOEY'S FACE WHEN SHE SEE'S NEW THINGS.

OUR CHURCH SECRETARY GAVE HER THIS BIG LOLLIPOP AND SHE ABSOLUTLY LOVED IT!!! SHE WAS SO EXCITED.

I OPENED IT FOR HER AND SHE TASTED IT AND ATE SOME OF IT AND THEN SHE WANTED TO TAKE IT WITH HER WHEN SHE LAID DOWN FOR HER NAP. SHE LOOKED AT ME AND SAID LOLLIPOP GO "NITE NITE"

SHE IS THE FUNNIEST THING!! SHE KEEPS EVERYONE AROUND HER LAUGHING!! WHAT A WONDERFUL DOSE OF MEDICINE!!! :)

**AND OF COURSE SHE HAS ON HER ELMO SHIRT IN THIS PICTURE TOO*** SHE HAS TO PUT ONE ON EVERYDAY AROUND THE HOUSE**

(I WILL BE GLAD WHEN THIS PHASE WEARS OFF** HOPEFULLY :)

THANKS AMI aka "QUEEN" FOR THE "BIG BIG" LOLLIPOP!! YOU MADE ZOEY'S DAY!

ZOEY'S "SPECIAL PLACE"

2008-08-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

ZOEY LOVES SITTING ON TOP OF THE DRYER LOOKING AT THE CLOTHES WASHING. I HAVE EXPLAINED TO HER WHAT THE WASHER IS DOING AND HOW IT IS CLEANING THE CLOTHES LIKE WE CLEAN OURSELVES BUT WE GET IN THE BATHTUB.

WELL SHE CALLS THE WASHER "SPECIAL" I ASK HER WHY THE WASHER WAS SPECIAL AND SHE SAID IT'S NOT THE BATHTUB IT IS

BIGGER & BETTER. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD DEDUCTION.

I JUST HAD TO CAPTURE THIS MOMENT, AND OF COURSE SHE HAS HER BEST FRIEND WITH "BARNEY" WITH HER, HE GOES EVERY WHERE SHE GOES.

FATHER'S DAY

2008-06-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

* * ONE PROUD DADDY **

NANJING CITY

2008-05-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

ZOEY'S ORPHANAGE IS IN NANJING CITY AND THIS IS WHERE ZOEY LIVED FOR 20 MONTHS OF HER LIFE, BEFORE WE ADOPTIED HER. I THOUGHT THIS ARTICLE WAS REAL INTERESTING:

China leads world in Bible production

Story by AFA Journal Staff. Sources cited for News of Interest indicate source of basic information only. April 2008

Nanjing, China, a city of seven million, is poised to become the world’s largest producer of Bibles. The irony is lost on no one who understands that China has been one of the world’s most repressive nations when it comes to allowing the Christian faith a fair shake in society.
At the end of 2007, Amity Printing was producing up to 800,000 Bibles a month, 80% of them distributed through China’s officially approved churches. Amity is a joint venture between the UK-based United Bible Societies and a Chinese Christian charity.
At year’s end, Amity was in the process of moving from a suburban factory to a new plant in an industrial park where they will be neighbors to new Ford Motor and Motorola factories. The facility is the size of an aircraft hangar and is expected to supply about one quarter of the world’s Bibles by 2009.
Amity first established the officially-endorsed Bible factory in1986 after Deng Xiaoping eased anti-religious laws following the reign of the oppressive Chairman Mao. To date, the plant has produced more than 50 million Bibles, about 40 million of them in the Mandarin language and sold through official churches in China.

McDonalds Playdate with Jayden

2008-05-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

We had our first playdate with our woderful friends Terri & Jayden McDonald.

They returned from China about 8 weeks ago with thier adorable little boy

"Jayden" He is 20 months old and full of life! He is the happiest little boy

and cute as a button.

Zoey was great with him, she enjoys other kids so much. She also loves playing at McDonalds. This was Jayden's first trip to McDonalds to play and he did very well. He is adjusting & bonding wonderfully.

The McDonald's are apart of our church family.

We are so blessed to be apart of thier lives, and look forward to watching

our kids grow up together and have many more playdates.

FIRST TRIP TO THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO

2008-04-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

WE WENT SUNDAY TO THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO, ALMOST ALL OF THE BIGGER ANIMALS WERE INSIDE THERE HOUSE'S AND WOULDN'T COME OUTSIDE. SHE WAS ABLE TO SEE THE GORILLA AND THE GIRAFFE.

ZOEY TURNS THREE

2008-03-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ZOEY IS THREE YEARS OLD.

SHE LOVES THE "DOODLEBOPS" AND HAS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. WE HAVE EVERY DVD AND CD THEY HAVE MADE. SHE GOES TO SLEEP EVERY NIGHT LISTENING TO THIER CD OF SONGS.

NOW WE HAVE 4 DOLLS TO ADD TO HER COLLECTION,

DEE DEE, ROONEY, MOE, BOB AND ALSO A DEE DEE T-SHIRT.

WE WENT TO HUNTSVILLE FRIDAY NIGHT AND ZOEY GOT TO SEE THE DOODLEBOPS IN PERSON.

SHE WAS AMAZED! SHE JUMPED AND DANCED AND CLAPPED AS THEY PERFORMED.

SHE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT AND DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE WHEN THE SHOW WAS OVER.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" ZOEY.

EASTER SUNDAY

2008-03-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

EASTER EGG HUNT

2008-03-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

WE WENT TO OUR EASTER EGG HUNT AT OUR CHURCH THIS PAST SUNDAY. ZOEY DIDN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT TO DO AND BY THE TIME SHE GOT THE HANG OF IT THE EGGS WERE ALREADY FOUND BY THE OTHER KIDS.

SHE HAD FUN THOUGH AND ENJOYED ALL THE OTHER CHILDREN.

PROUD DADDY & MOMMA

2008-02-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

WELL FOR THE FIRST TIME TODAY WE LEFT ZOEY IN THE TODDLER CLASS AT CHURCH BY HERSELF WITHOUT ONE OF US STAYING WITH HER. SHE DID WONDERFUL!!
NO TEARS OR ANXIETY.

ME AND HER DAD WERE THE ANXIOUS ONES. WE TOOK TURNS PEEKING INTO THE ROOM CHECKING ON HER.
WELL WE ONLY DID IT TWICE. :)I WAS TOTALLY LOST WITHOUT HER,I WAS HAPPY KNOWING SHE WAS SECURE ENOUGH TO STAY & ENJOY PLAYING WITH THE OTHER CHILDREN WITHOUT ANY FEARS. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR THIS DAY FOR A LONG TIME. OUR LITTLE GIRL IS GROWING UP. SHE IS THE BEST THING LIFE COULD OF EVER GAVE US.

WE PRAISE GOD EACH & EVERY DAY FOR ALLOWING US TO BE HER PARENTS.

KOREAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR VISIT

2008-02-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

OUR CHURCH ENJOYED A WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE BY THE KOREAN CHILDREN'S CHOIR. THESE KIDS WERE A SIGHT TO BEHOLD, FROM THE BEAUTIFUL SINGING TO WATCHING THEM PRAY AND WORSHIP OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.

WE ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF HEARING DR. BILLY KIM

SPEAK. HE HAS OPENED MANY DOORS IN KOREAN FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL. HE IS A BRILLANT MAN, AND SO VERY SPECIAL TO MANY PEOPLE.

WE WERE SO HONORED TO BE ABLE TO HOST TWO OF THE GIRLS FOR THE NIGHT AFTER THE SERVICE.

"SONG, GAYOUNG" AGE 10 AND "PARK, YEEUN" AGE 9

THEY WERE SO KIND AND SWEET. ZOEY ENJOYED THEM

AND FOLLOWED THEM ALL OVER THE HOUSE.

ZOEY ALSO LOVED THEIR SINGING, SHE WAS SO ATTENTATIVE THROUGH THE ENTIRE SERVICE. I AM SO GLAD WE GOT TO BE APART OF THIS BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN'S CHOIR.

2008-01-01T20:16:00.001-08:00

ZOEY SITTING WITH ONE OF OUR GOOD FRIENDS

GARRY LEE

DISCOVERING WRAPPING PAPER

2008-01-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

ZOEY DISCOVERED THAT TEARING UP THE CHRISTMAS PAPER WAS PRETTY FUN.

SHE WOULD TEAR SOME OF IT AND LAUGH AND SAY "I TORE IT"

AND SHE WAS SO PROUD OF HERSELF. SO OF COURSE I ENJOYED WATCHING HER DO IT TOO! THANK GOODNESS THE WRAPPING PAPER ISN'T EXPENSIVE! :)

CHRISTMAS 2007

2008-01-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS WAS SO WONDERFUL THIS YEAR! WHAT A DIFFERANCE IT WAS CELEBRATING WITH YOUR CHILD. WE ENJOYED WATCHING ZOEY'S FACE WITH EACH AND EVERY PRESENT. SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK.

I THINK HER DAD WAS MORE EXCITED THAN ANYONE. HE STAYED UP AFTER ME & ZOEY WENT TO BED TO SET UP SOME OF HER LARGER PRESENTS. IT WAS SO SWEET! IT REMINDED ME OF MY CHILDHOOD AND BEING SO SURPRISED ON CHRISTMAS MORNING.

SHE HAS ENJOYED EACH AND EVERY TOY.

2008-01-01T19:52:00.001-08:00

COUSIN'S CALEB & AUSTIN

2008-01-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

ZOEY'S COUSIN CALEB

A VISIT TO THE PIERCE FAMILY

2008-01-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

WE WENT TO TRUSSVILLE TO VISIT THE PIERCE FAMILY.

WE WERE IN CHINA TOGETHER WHEN WE GOT OUR GIRLS.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE SEEN THEM SINCE RETURNING HOME. WE HELPED THEM MAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES AND THE GIRLS ENJOYED PLAYING TOGETHER.

WE HAD A GREAT TIME. ZOEY AND SOPHIE WERE SO CUTE PLAYING TOGETHER.

2007-12-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

GOTCHA DAY!! 12/11/06
ZOEY'S NANNY IN HER ORPHANAGE
ZOEY TODAY 12/10/07

WHAT A DIFFERANCE A YEAR HAS MADE. ZOEY IS SUCH A DIFFERENT CHILD THAN WHEN WE RECEIVED HER. SHE HAS GROWN UP SO MUCH, AND HAS CAME SUCH A LONG WAY.
WE THANK GOD EACH DAY FOR BLESSING US WITH SUCH A WONDERFUL CHILD.

FANTASY OF LIGHTS

2007-12-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

WE WENT SUNDAY TO CALLAWAY GARDENS IN GEORGIA TO SEE THE "FANTASY OF LIGHTS" WE TOOK THE TROLLEY RIDE THROUGH THE PATH OF THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF BEAUTIFUL LIGHTS. THEY WERE ALL ANIMATED AND A SIGHT TO BEHOLD !ZOEY WAS JUST AMAZED! SHE WOULD SLOWLY LOOK AROUND AT ALL THE SCENES. HER EYES WERE BIG AS MARBLES. AT THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE GIFT SHOP THEY HAD A SNOWMAN & A REINDEER AND WERE ABLE TO GET PICTURES OF THEM WITH US.ZOEY LOVES "FROSTY THE SNOWMAN" BETTER THAN SANTA CLAUSE SO WHEN SHE REALIZED THAT FROSTY WAS IN FRONT OF HER SHE WAS SO EXCITED! WE WENT TO CALLAWAY GARDENS ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO AND IT IS WAS VERY NICE & PRETTY, BUT THIS TIME WITH OUR DAUGHTER BESIDE US AND SEEING IT THROUGH HER EYES WAS JUST PRICELESS!
draft

MORE PICTURES OF VISIT

2007-11-19T13:17:00.001-08:00

A VISIT TO THE WOODALL FAMILY

2007-11-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

WE WENT TO VISIT OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS " THE WOODALL FAMILY" IN ATHENS ON SUNDAY. THEY GOT HOME FROM CHINA ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO WITH THIER NEW DAUGHTER "REBECCA"

SHE IS SIX YEARS OLD. SHE IS SO PRETTY AND FULL OF LIFE.

SHE IS RUNNING AROUND HAVING A BIG TIME WITH HER NEW FAMILY. SHE IS ADJUSTING BEAUTIFULLY, AND WHY WOULDN'T SHE BE WITH SUCH A GREAT FAMILY MEETING ALL HER NEEDS AND THEN SOME. WE HAD AN AWESOME VISIT AND ENJOYED WATCHING ALL THE CHILDREN PLAY. THEY ALL GOT ALONG REALLY WELL.

ZOEY LOVED ALL OF THEM, SHE ESPECIALLY LOVED ALL THE DIFFERENT TOYS.. SHE JUMPED ON HER FIRST TRAMPOLINE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE GREAT TIMES WITH BILLY AND EMILY AND THIER BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN. WE TOOK SOME RANDOM PICTURES WHILE WE WERE THERE.

OUR FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

2007-11-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

ZOEY'S FRIEND AVA GRACE HAD A PRINCESS BIRTHDAY PARTY ON SATURDAY. IT WAS A GRAND EVENT ALL THE LITTLE GIRLS DRESSED IN THEIR FINEST PRINCESS DRESSES.

THEY GOT TO BOUNCE ON MOON BOUNCERS AND HAD A BEAUTIFUL CASTLE HOUSE TO PLAY WITH. ZOEY RECEIVED THE CUTEST PARTY FAVORS. HER FAVORITE WAS A "SNOW WHITE" SIPPY CUP. OF COURSE AVA GRACE LOOKED BEAUTIFUL!

SHE TURNED THREE. HER PARENTS ARE PART OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY DOUG & TERRA DELOACH.

ZOEY HAD A WONDERFUL TIME ! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE BIRTHDAY PARTIES. IT WAS SO AWESOME TO SEE ALL THE LITTLE GIRLS RUNNING AROUND LAUGHING AND HAVE A GRAND TIME, AND TO SIT BACK AND THINK "WOW" ONE OF THOSE LITTLE GIRLS IS MINE!! ALL MINE! I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE THIS DAY!! THANK YOU LORD FOR MY LITTLE BLESSING!

OUR LITTLE LADYBUG

2007-11-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

WE WENT TO OUR CHURCH'S TRUNK A TREAT FOR HALLOWEEN.

ZOEY LOVED ALL THE PRETTY COSTUMES AND ALL THE CANDY.

HER FAVORITE WAS OUR CHURCH'S BAND "VESSEL" SHE LOVES MUSIC.

THIS IS THE ONLY PICTURE I GOT TO TAKE OF ZOEY IN HER LADYBUG COSTUME. SHE WOULDN'T STAND STILL FOR VERY LONG.

MORE PICTURES AT ROYAL CELEBRATION

2007-10-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

"THE ROYAL CELEBRATION"

2007-10-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

ZOEY AND I ATTENDED A "ROYAL CELEBRATION" AT OUR CHURCH.

IT WAS A TEA PARTY FOR THE MOTHERS AND THIER DAUGHTERS.

WE ALL FELT LIKE PRINCESS'S SOME WOMEN AND GIRLS WORE CROWNS. THERE WAS CRAFT TABLE WHERE THE GIRLS COULD MAKE CROWNS OR WHATEVER THEY WANTED AND WE ALSO HAD SOME FANCY DRESSES AND SHOES FOR THE GIRLS TO PLAY DRESS UP. WE ALSO HAD SOME "YUMMY" FINGER FOODS AND OF COURSE TEA, APPLE CIDER, STRAWBERRY WATER. THE DECORATIONS WERE AWESOME! THEY MADE YOU FEEL SO SPECIAL, AND YES LIKE A PRINCESS.

"WE WERE BEING REMINDING THAT WE COULD CELEBRATE BECAUSE WE WERE ALL CHILDREN OF THE "KING" AND WE WERE HIS PRINCESS'S ! IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN

THIS. ZOEY HAD A GREAT TIME ,SHE ATE AND PLAYED. SHE LOVED ALL THE CHOCOLATE CANDY, AND YES I HAD TO USE STAIN REMOVER ON HER DRESS. OH WELL CAN'T KEEP THEM CLEAN ALL THE TIME, BUT I SURE TRY HARD :)

I TOOK SOME RANDOM SHOTS OF THE ZOEY AND THE DECORATIONS.

"ROLL TIDE" GIFT

2007-10-21T14:10:00.000-07:00

ONE OF OUR DEAR FRIENDS "THE ONE THAT TAUGHT ZOEY TO SAY ROLL TIDE" BOUGHT HER THIS "ALABAMA OUTFIT"

THANK YOU GARRY!!

GRAND OLE' PUMPKIN PATCH

2007-10-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

WE WENT WITH THE CHURCH TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH IN CHILTON COUNTY, AND HAD A GREAT TIME. ZOEY ENJOYED THE TRAIN RIDE AND THE PETTING ZOO. SHE LOVED RIDING THE CHURCH BUS AND VISITING WITH ALL THE OTHER KIDS.

ZOEY AT THE BEACH

2007-10-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

WELL THERE ISN'T TO MUCH TO SHARE ALONG THE LINE OF PICTURES FROM OUR BEACH TRIP, FOR SOME CRAZY REASON WE KEPT FORGETTING TO TAKE THE CAMERA WITH US. ZOEY WASN'T CRAZY ABOUT THE OCEAN OR THE SAND. ONE NIGHT SHE HUNTED SAND CRABS WITH HER DAD AND LIKED IT OKAY UNTIL ONE OF THE CRABS PINCHED HER HAND AND THEN SHE WANTED NO PART OF THEM. I THINK NEXT YEAR SHE WILL LIKE THE BEACH BETTER.

WE HAD A GREAT TIME SPENDING QUALITY TIME AS A FAMILY AND A WONDERFUL TIME VISITING WITH OUR FRIENDS.

PACKING FOR THE BEACH

2007-10-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

ZOEY HAD A GREAT TIME PLAYING IN THE SUITCASE

GROWING UP FAST!

2007-10-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

I WAS PUTTING ON MY MAKE-UP THE OTHER DAY AND ZOEY LOVES TO WATCH AND PLUNDER IN MY MAKE-UP BAG.

WELL LITTLE TO MY KNOWLEDGE SHE HAD OPENED MY CONCEALER AND WAS HELPING HER SELF. DOUG RAN AND GOT THE CAMERA "LAUGHING THE ENTIRE TIME" SEE HOW CREATIVE OUR DAUGHTER IS.

"LITTLE MISS DESOTO"

2007-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Childersburg is the oldest city in the United States and every year we celebrate with a Birthday Party. This year the city celebrates it’s 467th Birthday. There are a lot of events that go on all day long and into the night one being a beautiful baby contest. The contest for Zoey’s age group is called Little Mr. and Miss Desoto, which is named after Desoto Caverns located in Childersburg. I entered Zoey in her 1st beauty contest and she was chosen the winner so naturally I have lots of pictures to share!

ZOEY AND HER POPSICLE

2007-09-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

ZOEY FOUND OUT QUICKLY SHE LOVES A POPSICLE!
I THINK SHE WOULD EAT THEM ALL DAY LONG IF WE WOULD LET HER.

SHE KNOWS EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE IN THE FREEZER, AND SHE GETS SO EXCITED WHEN SHE GETS ONE. SHE CALLS THEM A "POP POP"

OF COURSE OUR DOG "BAILEY" HAD TO GET IN ON THE ACTION.:)

ZOEY AND HER FIRST POOL

2007-08-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

WE GOT ZOEY HER FIRST SWIMMING POOL. SHE WAS A LITTLE UNSURE ABOUT
IT AT FIRST AND THEN SHE STARTED ENJOYING IT AFTER DADDY GOT IN WITH HER. SHE WOULD PLAY WITH HER TOYS AND SPLASH THE WATER BUT WOULDN'T SIT DOWN. AT FIRST SHE THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATH TUB. WE KEPT TELLING HER IT WAS A SWIMMING POOL, SO NOW SHE WALKS AROUND SAYING "POOL" "POOL" SHE WANTED TO SWING AFTER SHE GOT OUT OF THE POOL, AS YOU CAN SEE SHE WAS OVERDUE FOR HER NAP, AND I GUESS THE POOL MADE HER TIRED.

A LITTLE ANGEL

2007-08-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

THIS FRIEND OF A FRIEND MET ME AND ZOEY ONE DAY AND TOOK SOME AWESOME PICTURES OF HER. WE WERE JUST BLOWN AWAY TO SEE HOW WONDERFUL THEY WERE. USUALLY ZOEY DON'T LIKE TAKING PICTURES, BUT
KELLY HAD A WAY ABOUT HER AND ZOEY WARMED RIGHT UP TO HER. KELLY HIGHLIGHTED THIS PICTURE AND EMAILED IT TO ME, SO I JUST HAD TO SHARE IT.
THANKS ALOT KELLY FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL PICTURES OF OUR ANGEL.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU!

LIFELINE ADOPTION AGENCY PICNIC

2007-08-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

WE WENT TO THE LIFELINE PICNIC ON SATURDAY. WE HAD A GREAT TIME AND IT WAS WONDERFUL SEEING ALL THESE BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN RUNNING AROUND. IT WAS ALSO GOOD TO SEE OUR FRIENDS FROM ATHENS, EMILY WOODALL AND HER BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. TWO OF THE CHINA GUIDES WERE THERE TO SHARE THIS GREAT EVENT, REBECCA & LILLY. IT WAS GOOD TO SEE THEM ALSO.

THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH ZOEY HAD CHANGED IN SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF TIME. ZOEY WAS SO BUSY AND EXCITED THAT DAY I DIDN'T GET MANY PICTURES. ZOEY HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. THANKS TO ALL THE LIFELINE STAFF FOR DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB FOR THIS EVENT.
EVERYTHING WAS DECORATED SO CUTE AND THERE WAS ALOT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS TO ENJOY, NOT TO MENTION THE DELICIOUS FOOD.

VISIT WITH FAMILY

2007-08-03T04:29:00.000-07:00

MY UNCLE AND AUNT CAME FROM FLORIDA FOR A BRIEF VISIT. WE ALL WENT TO SEE MY MOTHER AT THE ASSITED LIVING FACILITY WHERE SHE NOW LIVES DUE TO HER DEMENTIA. WE HAD A GREAT VISIT AND IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO SEE THEM. ZOEY WAS A LITTLE SHY AND DIDN'T WANT TO SIT IN THEIR LAP FOR PICTURES. HOPEFULLY SHE WILL DO BETTER NEXT TIME. :)

SHE IS STILL REAL CLINGY AND ONLY WANTS ME OR DOUG TO HOLD HER.
ALOT OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS, BUT WE KNOW ONE DAY SHE WILL BE READY FOR ANYBODY AND EVERYTHING! :)
SHE IS BLOOMING MORE AND MORE WITH EACH DAY, AND SHE LOVES CHILDREN. I LOVE WATCHING THE INTERACTION WHEN SHE IS AROUND ANY CHILDREN.

WATERMELON FUN

2007-07-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

I bought this big watermelon and thought it would be cute to make a picture with it and Zoey. When we were in China watermelon seemed to be a favorite food, but so far Zoey doesn't like it.

MORE SAFARI PICTURES

2007-06-20T11:39:00.001-07:00

MORE PICTURES , AND THE FAMOUS "ZEBRA BUS"

MORE WILD ANIMAL SAFARI PICTURES

2007-06-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

HERE ARE SOME MORE PICTURES FROM THE SAFARI TRIP.

FOR ANYONE WHO HASN'T VISITED THIS PLACE IT IS AWESOME, AND A GREAT PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS.

WILD ANIMAL SAFARI TRIP

2007-06-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

WE WENT WITH OUR CHURCH TO THE ZOO SAFARI IN GEORGIA LAST SUNDAY. THE TODDLERS AND THIER PARENTS HAD A DAY OF FUN. THIS WAS ZOEY'S FIRST "OFFICIAL" CHURCH OUTING WITH THE OTHER TODDLERS.WE RODE ON THE ZEBRA BUS ALL THROUGH THE TOUR AND SAW ALL KINDS OF ANIMALS, FROM ELK TO WILD PIGS, ZEBRA'S, CAMELS, GOATS, EMU'S, WATER BUFFALO'S. THE WINDOWS ON THE BUS WERE OUT AND THE ANIMALS WALKED UP TO THE WINDOW AND WE GOT TO HAND FEED THEM. IT WAS GREAT! ZOEY ACTUALLY FED ONE OF THE WATER BUFFALO'S, AND HE GAVE HER A "BIG" LICK ON HER HAND, SHE DIDN'T LIKE THIS AT ALL, BUT SHE LAUGHED AFTERWARDS. NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT AGAIN, SHE DID ENJOY LOOKING THOUGH. IT WAS A FUN FILLED DAY. "THANK YOU" TOVA AND DARNELL FOR ALL THE PLANNING OF THIS GREAT TRIP!

ZOEY TRYING TO PUT ON HER SHOES

2007-06-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

ONE DAY ZOEY GOT INTO HER CLOSET AND DECIDED TO PUT ON HER DRESS SHOES. SHE LOOKED SO FUNNY, SHE GOT ONE ON, BUT IT IS ON THE WRONG FOOT. SHE WAS REALLY CONCENTRATING ON PUTTING IT ON. SHE USUALLY HATES PUTTING ON HER SHOES. I GUESS IT IS DIFFERENT WHEN SHE PUTS THEM ON.

MR.FISH, ZOEY'S BEST FRIEND

2007-06-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

ZOEY IS HOLDING "MR. FISH" HER BEST FRIEND, SLEEPING BUDDY, BATHING BUDDY. WE USUALLY HAVE TO CARRY IT EVERYWHERE WE GO. MR FISH HAS BEEN TEETHED ON AND CHEWED ON.

HE STILL IS "GREAT" IN ZOEY'S WORLD. WE HAD TO LOOK AND LOOK FOR A BACK-UP FISH IN CASE WE LOST THIS ONE. :)

SHE IS ADORABLE CARRYING IT! I HAD TO TAKE THIS PICTURE.

ZOEY'S FIRST HAIRCUT

2007-05-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

WE HAD TO TAKE ZOEY IN FOR HER FIRST HAIRCUT, HER BANGS WAS GETTING IN HER FACE. "SO LIKE OUR MOTHERS ALWAYS TOLD US" I DIDN'T WANT HER TO GO BLIND. LOL!! NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE DIDN'T LIKE IT AT ALL. IT WAS HARD GETTING HER TO SIT STILL.

THE BEAUTICIAN "JILL" EVEN TRIED TO BRIBE HER WITH A LOLLIPOP. I FELT SO BAD FOR HER, BUT I KNOW IT HAD TO BE DONE. SHE LOOKS REALLY CUTE WITH HER BIG GIRL HAIRCUT.

ZOEY AT A FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

2007-05-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

ZOEY WENT TO HER LITTLE FRIENDS BIRTHDAY PARTY ON SATURDAY. IT WAS A BOUNCIN B'S. THEY HAD BIG BOUNCERS AND SMALL ONES JUST FOR TODDLERS. ZOEY WASN'T TO SURE ABOUT THE BOUNCERS BUT SHE PLAYED ON THE LITTLE TYKES TOYS AND JUST RAN AROUND CHECKING EVERYTHING OUT. SHE IS REALLY DOING BETTER AROUND STRANGERS AND ACTING MORE COMFORTABLE.. EVERYONE "OF COURSE" THOUGHT SHE WAS JUST THE FUNNIEST, PRETTIEST LITTLE GIRL. HER FRIENDS NAME IS REID, HE JUST TURNED TWO. THEY ARE ONLY TWO MONTHS APART. I HOPE THIS FRIENDSHIP LASTS FOR A LONG TIME.

ZOEY AND DADDY PLAYING AND HAVING A SILLY TIME

2007-05-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

What a great time Zoey and Daddy had, they just started playing and acting silly the other day. Zoey loves acting silly and laughing! She makes the funniest faces! These are the most precious moments I wouldn't take anything for.

LOOK AT ZOEY'S "COOL SHADES"

2007-05-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

LOOK AT ZOEY'S "COOL SHADES"

LOOK AT ZOEY'S COOL SHADES. WE BOUGHT ZOEY SOME SUNGLASSES, AT FIRST SHE WASN'T SURE SHE LIKED THEM AND WHEN WE STARTED TAKING PICTURES OF HER, SHE DECIDED THEY WERE PRETTY COOL.

THEY ARE PURPLE WITH SILVER GLITTER. SHE STARTED PERFORMING FOR THE CAMERA.

LITTLE MONKEY

2007-04-15T12:41:00.001-07:00

LOOK WHAT I CAUGHT ZOEY DOING ! IT ABOUT SCARED ME TO DEATH. SHE LOVES LISTENING TO THIS CD PLAYER BY OUR BED.
SHE WILL PUT THE CD IN AND OUT. SOMETIMES SHE WILL SIT DOWN ON THE FLOOR AND LISTEN TO IT. I GUESS SHE DECIDED TO VENTURE OUT AND WATCH THE CD GOING AROUND AND AROUND.

NEEDLESS TO SAY WE HAD TO FIX THE BED SO SHE CAN'T CLIMB ON IT ANYMORE. SHE KEEPS US HOPPING. WHEN WE FIRST GOT HOME WITH HER, SHE HARDLY EVER LEFT OUR SIGHT, BOY HAS THIS CHANGED! HA! SHE LIGHTS UP OUR LIFE.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY ZOEY

2007-03-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

OUR BABY TURNED TWO, MARCH 25 (SUNDAY) WE HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY. WE HAD HER A SMALL CAKE OF HER OWN AND SHE DIDN'T LIKE PUTTING HER HANDS ON IT. SHE FINALLY DID TOUCH IT . SHE DOESN'T LIKE HER HANDS DIRTY. WE HAD A GREAT GROUP OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY BRINGING "BIRTHDAY WISHES."

ONE OF OUR DEAR FRIENDS LET US BORROW A BLOW UP BOUNCER, SHAPED LIKE A CASTLE. IT WAS A BIG HIT!!

IT WAS ZOEY'S FIRST TIME TRYING ONE OF THESE, AFTER SHE WATCHED THE OTHER KIDS SHE GOT IN AND TRIED IT. SHE LOVED IT !! "A BIG THANKS TO JAMELL FOR ALL HER HELP WITH THE PARTY. THIS WAS MY FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY TO HOST OF MANY TO COME. IT WAS WELL WORTH ALL THE WORK!

ZOEY LOVES HER COZY COUPE

2007-03-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

ZOEY RECEIVED HER AT OUR SHOWER, AND SHE LOVES IT.

SHE WAKES UP IN THE MORNING TIME MAKING A CAR NOISE.

SHE IS LEARNING AND DOING NEW THINGS EVERY DAY. OF COURSE WE ARE JUST AMAZED! WHAT FUN WE ARE HAVING WATCHING HER.

Zoey in her Easter Dress

2007-03-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

LOOK AT OUR BIG GIRL IN HER EASTER DRESS. SHE WAS SO CUTE, SHE HAD ON HER FIRST PAIR OF DRESS SHOES. THEY HAD A SMALL HEEL ON THEM AND SHE WALKED SO FUNNY, IT REMINDED ME OF

SOMEONE WALKING IN HEELS FOR THE FIRST TIME.

MY FAVORITE TIME TO WATCH ZOEY

2007-02-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

I JUST LOVE WATCHING MY BABY GIRL SLEEP, THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE MOST PRECIOUS SIGHT I HAVE EVER SEEN. I REALLY LOVE THE LOOK ON HER FACE WHEN SHE FIRST WAKES UP, SHE ALWAYS HAS THE BEST SMILE ON HER FACE, SO CUTE & INNOCENT.

THIS LITTLE GIRL IS SUCH A HUGE BLESSING TO OUR FAMILY.

WE LOVE HER MORE THAN WORDS COULD SAY! BTW SHE HAS DADDY WRAPPED AROUND HER LITTLE FINGER! :) WELL AND COME TO THINK ABOUT IT, SHE HAS HER MOMMA TOO!

ZOEY'S CUDDLY PICTURE

2007-02-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

I HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE OF DAD AND ZOEY IN HER CUDDLY COAT.

I LOVE THIS LITTLE COAT, THE EARS ON THE HOOD ARE TOOO CUTE.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

2007-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

WE MET WITH THE SHELBY COUNTY FCC GROUP FOR DINNER TO CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THERE WAS A GREAT TURN OUT.

THERE WAS THE PRETTIEST LITTLE CHINESE GIRLS I HAVE EVER SEEN. THEY WERE ALL DRESSED IN THIER CHINESE OUTFITS.

I WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE A PICTURE OF ZOEY, ANA CLAIRE, HANNAH GRACE. LOOK AT THESE BEAUTIES!

ZOEY'S FIRST SUNDAY AT CHURCH

2007-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

ZOEY READY TO HEAD OUT TO CHURCH.

THIS WAS ZOEY'S FIRST SUNDAY IN CHURCH. SHE DID REALLY WELL. SHE SAT THROUGH THE MUSIC AND LOVED IT, THEN SHE WANTED TO TALK. SO OFF THE THE NURSERY WE WENT. OF COURSE MOM STAYED WITH HER. SHE DID OKAY, SHE WAS SORTA OVERWHELMED I THINK, BUT OVER ALL SHE WAS FINE. SHE KEPT WATCHING MAKING SURE HER MOM WAS STILL IN THE ROOM.

OUR LIVING DOLL

2007-02-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

LOOK AT OUR SWEET LIVING DOLL, DOUG FOUND A CUTE BONNET IN ZOEY'S DRAWER (I FORGOT I BOUGHT IT!) :) oops. HE GOT HER DRESSED THIS DAY WITHOUT MY SUPERVISION. :) AND I MUST SAY HE DID VERY GOOD. HE PUT HER ON PINK FLOWERED OVERALLS,WITH A MATCHING SHIRT. I WAS REALLY PROUD OF HIM. AND OF COURSE SHE LOOKED LIKE A DOLL. SHE HAS THE SWEETEST BABY FACE. SHE IS GETTING MORE AND MORE SETTLED DOWN WITH GOING PLACES. SHE WILL ACTUALLY THROW KISSES TO PEOPLE WHEN WE ARE OUT. THIS IS A BIG IMPROVEMENT FOR HER, SINCE WE HAVE BEEN HOME.

ZOEY PLAYING ON HER BED

2007-01-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

I JUST HAD TO CAPTURE THIS PICTURE, ZOEY LOVES TO SIT ON HER BIG GIRL BED AND LOOK OUT THE WINDOW. SHE LOVES ALL THE BRIGHT COLORS ON HER COMFORTER AND THE BRIGHT COLORS IN THE ROOM. SHE ISN'T SLEEPING IN HER BED YET :) BUT SHE DOES LIKE THE BED AND THE ROOM. SHE IS CO-SLEEPING WITH MOM & DAD RIGHT NOW. WE ARE LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT TOO !
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF THE DAY IS WHEN SHE FIRST WAKES UP. SHE HAS SUCH A SWEET LOOK ON HER FACE. IT MELTS MY HEART EVERY DAY.

ZOEY PLAYING PEEK A BOO

2007-01-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

ZOEY LOVES TO PLAY PEEK -A-BOO. SHE WILL SQUAT DOWN IN FRONT OF ME WHEN I AM ON THE COUCH AND THEN JUMP UP LAUGHING. SHE THINKS BY SQUATING DOWN SHE IS HIDING FROM ME. IT IS HILARIOUS. WE HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN, AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN. SHE LAUGHS EACH AND EVERY TIME. :) THESE TIMES ARE WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD. SOMETHING SO SIMPLE BUT HAS SO MUCH MEANING TO HER AND ME. " THANK YOU LORD FOR THE SIMPLE THINGS. "

LUNCH WITH FRIENDS FROM FLORIDA

2007-01-28T19:54:00.000-08:00

AFTER WE GOT FINISHED AT THE INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION CLINIC WE MET OUR FRIENDS, DAVE & JEN AND THEIR KIDS FOR LUNCH. THEY WERE IN TOWN FOR A DOCTOR'S APPT. FOR THEIR NEW DAUGHTER HANNAH. WE FINALLY GOT TO MEET THEIR OTHER TWO CHILDREN, JOSH & CALEB. WE HAD ALREADY SEEN PICTURES OF THEM WHILE WE WERE IN CHINA. IT WAS SO GOOD TO MEET THEM IN PERSON. THEY ARE BOTH PRECIOUS.
WE HAD A WONDERFUL VISIT AND HATED SEEING THEM GO HOME.
THEY ARE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. WE HAVE REALLY MET AND HAVE FORMED SUCH SPECIAL FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH THE WHOLE ADOPTION PROCESS. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR EACH ONE OF THEM.

FIRST VISIT AT INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION CLINIC

2007-01-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

WE HAD OUR FIRST VISIT TO THE INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION CLINIC. WE SAW DR. JENNIFER CHAMBERS. SHE EXAMINED ZOEY FROM HEAD TO TOE AND SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED AND SOUNDED GREAT. ZOEY HAD TO HAVE BLOODWORK DONE, AND I LET DOUG GO WITH HER AND HELP HOLD HER, I WENT AND WAITED IN THE WAITING ROOM. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO HEAR OR SEE HER CRY. THANK GOD FOR "DADDY" DADDY SAID SHE WAS A REAL TROOPER AND SHE DID REALLY GOOD, AND THEY EVEN HAD TO STICK HER TWICE. OUCH!
DR. CHAMBERS AND HER STAFF ARE WONDERFUL!! ZOEY REALLY LIKED DR. CHAMBERS ALOT. WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE CLINIC IN 3 WEEKS FOR THE LAB RESULTS.

GETTING READY TO GO TO THE INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION CLINIC

2007-01-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

WE ARE GETTING READY FOR OUR FIRST VISIT AT THE INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION CLINIC IN BIRMINGHAM.
I LOVE BUYING CLOTHES AND SHOES FOR HER, THIS OUTFIT LOOKS SO ADORABLE ON HER I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE. MY HUSBAND THINKS I AM CRAZY! OH WELL. :) I LOVE MY BABY GIRL!!!!

ZOEY MIMICING OUR DOG "BAILEY"

2007-01-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

ZOEY IS SO SMART SHE IS WATCHING EVERYTHING AROUND HER, ESPECIALLY OUR DOG "BAILEY" SHE TRIES TO MIMIC HER. WHEN YOU ASK HER HOW THE DOG GOES, SHE STICKS OUT HER TONGUE AND MAKES A NOISE (SIMILAR TO THE ONE A DOG MAKES WHEN IT IS HOT). IT IS HILARIOUS. THEN THE NEXT THING SHE STARTED DOING WAS PICKING UP HER TOYS WITH HER MOUTH, AND CRAWLING AROUND HOLDING THE OBJECT. I WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE A PICTURE WITH ONE OF HER STACKING CUPS IN HER MOUTH. TOO CUTE!! SHE KEEPS US LAUGHING.

ZOEY'S FIRST DRIVING LESSON

2007-01-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

Look at my big girl !! Can you believe her up in that big hummer acting like she can drive. :) Our dear friends & State Farm Insurance Agents, Herschel & Janet Jones helped us bring home all of our gifts from the shower on Sunday. Well Zoey let Herschel hold her when he was getting ready to leave and she grabbed onto that steering wheel like she had been doing it all along. She was so funny!! And was really enjoying herself. I just had to share these adorable pictures. Zoey is such a huge blessing for our family. We are just amazed how she is becoming more "Americanized" each day. Look out world. :) Thanks to our wonderful friends for helping us home with the shower gifts.

WHAT A GRAND TODDLER SHOWER

2007-01-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

OUR CHURCH FAMILY & FRIENDS GAVE US A "TODDLER" SHOWER ON SUNDAY JAN.14TH. WHAT A GRAND SHOWER IT WAS! THEY DID AN ASIAN THEME, COMPLETE WITH CHINESE LANTERNS, PANDA BEARS, CHINESE FANS, FORTUNE COOKIES, AND LADYBUGS. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! ZOEY RECIEVED BEAUTIFUL OUTFITS AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER WONDERFUL GIFTS. WE WERE SO OVERWHELMED BY SUCH GENEROSITY AND LOVE WE WERE SHOWN. ZOEY DID REALLY GOOD AT THE SHOWER, AFTER WE WERE THERE FOR ABOUT 30 MINS. SHE CAME OUT OF HER SHELL AND VISITED WITH SOME OF HER GUESTS. HER CUTE PERSONALITY IS COMING OUT MORE AND MORE EACH DAY. WE ARE SO THANKFUL SHE IS HAVING A VERY SMOOTH TRANSITION. THANKS TO ALL WHO HAD A PART IN THE SHOWER. IT WILL ALWAYS BE CHERISHED.

OUR LITTLE CHRISTMAS "DEAR"

2007-01-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

LOOK AT OUR LITTLE "DEAR" (DEER) THESE ANTLERS WERE SO CUTE ON HER. OF COURSE SHE DIDN'T LEAVE THEM ON LONG. SHE DIDN'T REALLY UNDERSTAND CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR, BUT I THINK SHE ENJOYED IT. SHE WAS UNSURE OF ALL THE PEOPLE THOUGH.. SHE IS STILL ADJUSTING TO PEOPLE SHE HASN'T SEEN.

OTHER ADOPTIVE FAMILIES WE MET IN CHINA

2007-01-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

THESE ARE TWO WONDERFUL ADOPTIVE FAMILIES WE MET WHILE WE WERE IN CHINA. DAVE & JEN WINEBRENER & KEITH & SHIELA HOWARD. WE HAD A GREAT TIME VISITING WITH THEM AND THIER NEW DAUGHTERS. WE HAVE MET SOME OF THE BEST FAMILIES THROUGH OUR ENTIRE ADOPTION PROCESS. WE WERE EATING LUNCH AT THE FAMOUS "LUCY'S" THEY ACTUAL HAD FAIRLY GOOD AMERICAN FOOD.

SILLY GIRL SHOWING OFF HER FROGGY JAMMIES

2007-01-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

I BOUGHT ZOEY THESE NEW FROG PAJAMA'S AND SHE LOOKS ADORABLE IN THEM. OH BY THE WAY LOOK AT HER FEET, SHE REFUSES TO WEAR SOCKS INSIDE THE HOUSE. SHE IS FASCINATED WITH LOOKING AT HER FEET. I HAVE TO PUT SOCKS ON HER FEET AFTER SHE GOES TO SLEEP AT NIGHT TIME SO HER FEET DON'T GET COLD. I BOUGHT HER A PAIR OF ROBEEZ SOFT LEATHER SHOES AND NOW I PUT THEM ON HER AROUND THE HOUSE, SHE HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO REMOVE THESE YET. :) NEEDLESS TO SAY SHE ISN'T TO HAPPY ABOUT NOT GETTING TO SEE HER FEET. :)

PROUD DADDY

2007-01-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Look at this "Proud Daddy" Doug is totally in love with his little girl!! She has him wrapped around his little finger. He says I have her spoiled. Ha! We both do. Zoey is blooming each and every day! She is a pure joy and delight to be with. She has the funniest expressions and loves to mock what people do.

VISIT TO ZOEY'S ORPHANAGE

2006-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

HERE ARE SOME PICTURES FROM ZOEY'S ORPHANAGE.

THE NANNIES AND ADMINISTRATION STAFF WERE VERY NICE. THE PART OF THE ORPHANAGE WE TOURED WAS VERY CLEAN AND ORGANIZED.

IN GOOD OLE' USA

2006-12-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

WE ARE FINALLY BACK ON AMERICAN SOIL, IT FEELS WONDERFUL, CHINA WAS NICE BUT IS SURE DOES FEEL GOOD
TO BE CLOSER TO HOME. WE ARE SITTING IN THE AIRPORT IN LOS ANGELES, WAITING TO CATCH OUR FLIGHT. ZOEY IS FEELING MUCH BETTER. THANK GOODNESS. SEE EVERYONE SOON!!!!! YEAH!!

CONSULATE APPT TOMORROW

2006-12-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

THANK GOODNESS WE ARE ON THE DOWN SLOPE! OUR FINAL APPT. IS TOMORROW ON DEC. 19TH WHERE WE WILL MEET AND RECEIVE ZOEY'S VISA, SO WE CAN BRING HER INTO THE UNITED STATES.
WE HAD TO TAKE ZOEY TO THE DOCTOR THIS MORNING AT OUR HOTEL, SHE HAS A THROAT INFECTION.
SHE HAS BEEN STARTED ON MEDS, AND WE PRAY SHE FEELS BETTER REAL SOON. WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET HOME AND GET SOME SOUTHREN COOKING!! WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH CHINESE FOR AWHILE. :)

WE ARRIVE IN BIRMINGHAM DEC. 20TH AROUND 1:00PM. ZOEY SENDS LOVE TO ALL! :)
PRAYING FOR A SAFE AND SOUND RETURN TO THE USA!

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

2006-12-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

WE ARE BACK IN GUANGZHOU NOW. WE WENT TODAY FOR ZOEY'S MEDICAL EXAMINATION, AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE. WE HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY WITH PACKING AND UNPACKING, WE LEFT NANJING AND CAME TO GUANGZHOU. OUR TOUR GUIDE HAS SEVERAL THINGS LINED UP FOR US TO DO. WE ARE GOING SHOPPING ONE DAY AND THE NEXT DAY WE WILL GO TO THE ZOO. MONDAY NIGHT WE ARE TAKING A RIVER BOAT CRUISE ON THE PEARL RIVER. THERE ARE ALOT OF ADOPTION FAMILIES HERE AT THIS HOTEL WITH US, AND OF COURSE WE ARE LOVING SEEING ALL OF THE BABIES. ZOEY IS BEING A REAL TROOPER WITH ALL THE NEW ACTIVITIES. SHE IS STILL HAPPY AND A BUNDLE OF PURE JOY. SHE ALREADY HAS DADDY WRAPPED AROUND HER LITTLE FINGER. HERE ARE SOME PICTURES FROM THE MEDICAL EXAM AND IN THE HOTEL.

LEAVING NANJING TODAY

2006-12-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

WE LEAVE NANJING TODAY AND RETURN BACK TO GUANGZHO, TO THE WHITE SWAN HOTEL. WE CAN HARDLY WAIT.
THEY ARE ALOT MORE FRIENDLIER TO AMERICANS WHO HAVE ADOPTED AND SPEAK ALOT BETTER ENGLISH.
WE VISITED ZOEY'S ORPHANAGE ON THURSDAY AND ALL THE STAFF AND NANNIES WERE VERY NICE AND FRIENDLY.
THE AREAS WE GOT TO TOUR WAS CLEAN AND ORGANIZED. I WAS SO GLAD WE WERE TAKING ZOEY AWAY FROM THERE ONCE IN FOR ALL. ZOEY SEEMED UN-EASY THE REST OF THE DAY, JUST NOT HER HAPPY GO LUCKY SELF.
WE WERE SO UPSET TO SEE HER LOOK THIS SAD. SHE FINALLY GOT BETTER THAT NIGHT AND SHE IS BACK TO HER OLD SELF TODAY. I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD AFFECT HER THAT WAY. WE HAVE JUST BEEN DOING ALOT OF BONDING WITH HER IN OUR HOTEL ROOM. WHICH HAS BROUGHT ALL THREE OF US GREAT JOY!!
SHE WILL "MOCK" HAND GESTURES AND NOISES YOU DO WITH YOUR MOUTH. IT IS SO FUNNY. SHE IS STILL EATING GOOD AND SLEEPING GOOD. SHE CRAWLS ALOT AND CAN STAND WITH HELP AND CAN TAKE ABOUT 4 STEPS BY HERSELF. I WILL POST MORE PICTURES SOON. THE INTERNET HERE IS REALLY SLOW ON UPLOADING PICTURES.
WE WILL BE HOME SOON, AND CAN'T WAIT!! PLEASE CONTINUE TO REMEMBER US IN YOUR PRAYERS.
LOVE,
KEMP PARTY OF "THREE"

GOTCHA DAY PICTURES

2006-12-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

NOW WE ARE THREE

2006-12-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

WE WENT TO THE CIVIL AFFAIRS OFFICE ON DEC. 11TH 2006 WHERE OUR DAUGHTER WAS HANDED TO US! THIS WAS COMPLETE HAPPINESS! SHE IS JUST AS BEAUTIFUL IN PERSON AS SHE WAS IN THE PICTURES. SHE IS TINY, VERY SMALL HANDS AND FEET, REAL DAINTY. WE HAD TO DO SOME PAPERWORK AND THEN WE TOOK HER BACK TO OUR HOTEL AND DID ALOT OF BONDING TIME. WE PLAYED IN THE FLOOR WITH HER FOR HOURS. SHE LOVES THE TELEVISION ALREADY. THEY GOT TO WATCH TV FOR 2 HOURS EACH DAY WHEN SHE WAS IN THE ORPHANAGE.
SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE DOUG WHEN SHE WATCHES IT TOO, SHE IS FOCUSED ON THAT TV AND NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. ONE OF THE GUIDES HERE SAID ZOEY LOOKED ALOT LIKE DOUG. WE ALSO WERE TOLD THAT ZOEY LIKES HER MILK SWEET AND LIKES SWEETS IN GENERAL, "JUST LIKE HER MOM" :) AFTER WE TALKED TO TWO OF THE OTHER FAMILIES ABOUT THEIR FIRST NIGHT TOGETHER WITH THEIR NEW DAUGHTERS, WE FOUND OUT THAT ZOEY WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT. WE ARE TRULY "DOUBLE" BLESSED. THE POWER OF PRAYER, WE HAD BEEN PRAYING FOR A SMOOTH TRANSISTION FOR ZOEY AND SO FAR SO GOOD. WE WERE ABLE TO GET PICTURES FROM YESTERDAY AND I WILL GET THEM POSTED. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS, THEY HAVE BEEN HEARD.

LANDED IN NANJING

2006-12-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

WE ARE IN NANJING NOW, SAT. DEC. 9TH 2006. THIS IS THE CITY WHERE ZOEY LIVES NOW. WE WILL BE RECEIVING HER ON MONDAY. DEC. 11TH. JUST 1 1/2 DAYS. WE HAVE A VERY NICE ROOM IN THE MANDARIAN HOTEL. THE GUIDE WHO MET US AT THE AIRPORT, HIS NAME IS SHANE. HE IS ADORABLE, LAUGHS AND JOKES ALOT. WE ARE GOING TO DO SOME SIGHT SEEING ON SUNDAY, NOT SURE WHAT YET. WE ARE STILL TIRED BUT WE SEEM TO BE ADJUSTING SLOWLY TO THE TIME CHANGE. WE SURE DO MISS ALABAMA.

FINALLY ARRIVED

2006-12-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

HELLO!! YEAH!! WE HAVE FINALLY ARRIVED IN GUANGZHOU. ARRIVED ON THURSDAY DEC. 7TH AT
4:44PM "ALABAMA" TIME., 6:30AM CHINA TIME. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING COMPUTER PROBLEMS AND ARE TRYING TO CORRECT THEM NOW. WE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE EMAIL BUT UNABLE TO SEND ANY. WE LEAVE TODAY AT 12:30PM (DEC.9TH) HEADING TO NANJING WHERE ZOEY LIVES NOW. WE WILL BE THERE ONE WEEK AND RETURN TO THE WHITE SWAN IN GUANGZHOU NEXT WEEK. DOUG GOT SICK WHEN HE GOT OFF THE AIRPLANE IN CHINA AND HAD TO TAKE PHENERGAN AND GO TO BED. WE HAVE MET A WONDERFUL FAMILY WHO ARE ADOPTING ALSO. THEY ARE FROM MISSISSIPPI. THEY ARE KEITH & SHEILA HOWARD. WHAT A WONDERFUL FEELING IT IS TO MEET NEW FRIENDS. THE WHITE SWAN IS BEAUTIFUL!! THE CHINESE PEOPLE ARE AWESOME! SO NICE AND ACCOMODATING. WE FLEW A TOTAL OF 22 HOURS, AND LAST NIGHT WE WERE DEAD TIRED. TODAY IS MUCH BETTER. WE HAD SUCH PEACE WHILE WE WERE IN THE AIRPLANE AND FELT THE HAND OF GOD ON US THE ENTIRE TRIP. WE MISS AND LOVE ALL OF YOU!
I WILL POST AGAIN AS SOON AS I CAN.

ZOEY'S CHURCH FAMILY

2006-12-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

WHAT A GREAT DAY! TODAY IS THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE WE TRAVEL TO GET ZOEY.
WE HAVE THE BEST CHURCH FAMILY IN THE WORLD. THEY ARE JUST AS EXCITED AS WE ARE ABOUT ZOEY'S ARRIVAL. I CAN'T WAIT FOR HER TO MEET EVERYONE. I KNOW SHE WILL FEEL LOTS OF LOVE FROM EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM. IT IS SO GOOD TO BE APART OF SUCH A LOVING GROUP OF BELIEVERS. WE HAVE BEEN SO BLESSED TO BE APART OF THIS CHURCH FOR 7 YEARS NOW. SOON ZOEY WILL BE ONE OF THE NEWEST MEMBERS.
"LOOK OUT" MRS. DARNELL YOU WILL BE ADDING ANOTHER ONE TO YOUR "FLOCK"
THANK YA'LL AGAIN FOR ALL THE LOVE AND PRAYERS WE HAVE BEEN SHOWN OVER THE YEARS AND CONTINUE TO RECEIVE.

NEW PICTURES OF ZOEY IN HER ORPHANGE

2006-12-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

ONE OF THE FAMILIES THAT JUST RETURNED HOME, WAS ABLE TO TAKE PICTURES AT ZOEY'S ORPHANAGE, THEIR CHILD WAS IN THE SAME ORPHANAGE. IT WAS WONDERFUL TO RECEIVE THESE. ONE OF THE PICTURES LOOKS LIKE SHE HAS HER TONGUE OUT. :)

IN THE PICTURE WHERE THEY ARE EATING IT IS A MIXTURE OF CONGEE AND MEAT.
LOOKS LIKE OUR OATMEAL TO ME. THE ORPHANAGE LOOKS REALLY PRETTY AND CLEAN.
IT LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN TAKING GOOD CARE OF HER.

TIME HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!

2006-12-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

WELL THE TIME AS FINALLY ARRIVED! WE ARE TRAVELING TO CHINA TO GET "ZOEY"
WE LEAVE ON DEC. 6TH ARRIVING IN CHINA ON THE 8TH. THEY ARE ABOUT 14 HOURS AHEAD OF US IN TIME. WE ARE SO EXCITED! WE HAVE BEEN PACKING AND RE-PACKING.

I HAVE BEEN WASHING CLOTHES AND CLEANING, I THINK I AM NESTING. :)
THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST TRIP WE HAVE EVER BEEN ON, AND JUST KNOWING HOW
MUCH HAPPINESS THIS LITTLE GIRL WILL BRING IN OUR HOME. I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO GET TO HOLD & CUDDLE HER. DOUG & I WILL BE IN 7TH HEAVEN !!

NEW PICTURES OF OUR PRINCESS

2006-11-26T19:14:00.000-08:00

THESE ARE AMAZING PICTURES OF ZOEY, SHE IS 18 MONTHS OLD, WEIGHS 19.5 LBS.
SHE HAS REALLY CHANGED FROM HER EARLIER PICTURES WHEN SHE WAS 13 MONTHS OLD. WHAT A BEAUTY! SHE IS STANDING IN THE ACTIVITY ROOM OF HER NEW ORPHANAGE
AND THEY SAID SHE LOVES THE MIRROR. "LOOK OUT WORLD HERE SHE COMES" :)

WE ARE TOTALLY 100% IN LOVE WITH HER! JUST IN TEN DAYS WE WILL BE ON THE AIRPLANE TO GET HER. WHAT A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS THIS WILL BE! WHAT A VERY SPECIAL GIFT FROM GOD WE ARE RECEIVING.

CONSULATE APPT. RECEIVED

2006-11-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

WONDERFUL NEWS, WE HAVE RECEIVED OUR CONSULATE APPT. IT IS FOR DEC. 18TH. WE HAVE BEEN BUSY MAKING AIRPLANE RESERVATIONS, ARRANGING FOR THE "PANDA TELEPHONE" TO BE DELIVERED TO OUR HOTEL ROOM. I CAN NOT DO WITHOUT A TELEPHONE :) WE HAVE GOT TO BE ABLE TO CHECK ON OUR FOUR-LEGGED CHILD. "BAILEY (OUR BIG OLE' BOXER) SHE THINKS SHE IS A LAP DOG,
90 LBS. THIS IS A REAL SIGHT TO BEHOLD. WE HAVE BE CHECKING & RE-CHECKING THIS PACKING ORDEAL. WE HAVE NEVER BEEN AWAY FROM HOME FOR TWO WEEKS, PLUS WE ARE "HOME BODIES" ALL OF OUR FRIENDS KEEP TELLING US THAT LIFE IS FIXING TO CHANGE FOR US, AND OF COURSE WE ARE READY & WAITING! WHAT A GREAT CHANGE THIS WILL BE, AND I KNOW IT IS THE BEST KIND OF CHANGE.
*NOW THE COUNT- DOWN BEGINS"

GREAT NEWS !!

2006-11-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS RECEIVED TODAY! OUR SW CALLED AND SAID WE RECEIVED OUR TA.
NOW WE ARE JUST WAITING FOR OUR CONSULATE APPT. GETTING SO CLOSE!
BUT SO FAR AWAY. :0)